The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Commission--The Texas Transportation Commission.
2. (2) Comprehensive development agreement--An agreement with a private entity that, at a minimum, provides for the design and construction of a turnpike project and may also provide for the financing, acquisition, maintenance, or operation of a turnpike project.
3. (3) Department--The Texas Department of Transportation.
4. (4) Design--Includes planning services, technical assistance, and technical studies provided in support of the environmental review process undertaken with respect to a turnpike project, as well as surveys, investigations, the development of reports, studies, plans and specifications, and other professional services provided for a project.
5. (5) Proposal review fee--A fee prescribed by these rules that must be tendered with any unsolicited proposal or with any proposal submitted under §27.5(d) of this subchapter.
6. (6) Request for proposals --A request for submittal of a detailed proposal from private entities to acquire, design, finance, construct, maintain, or operate turnpike projects pursuant to the Turnpike Act.
7. (7) Request for qualifications--A request for submission by a private entity of a description of that entity's experience, technical competence, and capability to complete a proposed project, and a proposed financial plan for the proposed project.
8. (8) Turnpike Act--Transportation Code, Chapter 361.

9. (9) Turnpike project--A toll highway constructed, maintained or operated under Transportation Code, Chapter 361 as part of the state highway system and any improvement, extension or expansion to the highway, including:

   1. (A) a facility to relieve traffic congestion and promote safety;
   2. (B) a bridge, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, toll house, service road, ramp, or service station;
   3. (C) an administration, storage, or other building the department considers necessary to operate the project;
   4. (D) property rights, easements and interests the department acquires to construct or operate the project;
   5. (E) a parking area or structure, rest stop, park, and any other improvement or amenity the department considers necessary, useful, or beneficial for the operation of a turnpike project; and
   6. (F) a toll-free facility that is appurtenant to and necessary for the efficient operation of a turnpike project, including a service road, access road, ramp, interchange, bridge, or tunnel.

Source Note:The provisions of this §27.2 adopted to be effective July 18, 2002, 27 TexReg 6377; amended to be effective September 18, 2003, 28 TexReg 8005.